NFL Rumors: 49ers' Aiyuk, Shanahan Encouraged Commanders to Draft Jayden Daniels

Before selecting Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters solicited advice from two people he knows very well.

Per ESPN's John Keim, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk gave strong reviews to Peters about the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

"One source said San Francisco receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a close friend of Daniels', sang his pal's praises to Peters. And San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan, with whom Peters worked for seven years, also gave Daniels a glowing review," Keim wrote.

Before being hired by the Commanders in January, Peters spent the past seven seasons working in the 49ers front office.

Aiyuk also spent a season playing with Daniels when they were teammates at Arizona State in 2019. Aiyuk was his favorite target with 1,192 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, helping to propel him into being a first-round pick by San Francisco in 2020.

Washington's organizational philosophy since Josh Harris took over as owner in July has dramatically changed. There is a level of thoroughness the club goes through with seemingly every move.

Before the Peters hiring, the Commanders brought in former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to help lead an advisory committee to determine their next head coach and GM.

The head-coaching search went a little awry because Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was considered the overwhelming favorite for the job before he decided to keep his current job.

Washington eventually landed on Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to replace Ron Rivera.

Shanahan's endorsement of Daniels might raise some eyebrows because his most recent experience drafting a first-round quarterback didn't go great, but he's also proven himself to be one of the smartest offensive minds in the league and someone who doesn't seem too quick to hand out praise.

The Commanders certainly hope Daniels is the answer at quarterback they have been seeking for years. They have had 12 different players start at the position since Kirk Cousins left after the 2017 season.

Washington hasn't had a winning season since 2016 (8-7-1) and has made the playoffs just once in the past eight seasons.